Kansas State Coach Sees Positive Change in Players After Viral Rant

Wildcats show fight in loss to Houston after coach Jerome Tang blasted team's effort following previous defeat.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Kansas State basketball coach Jerome Tang is seeing a positive change in his players' effort and mindset after he delivered a scathing critique of their performance following a recent blowout loss to Cincinnati. While the Wildcats lost to Houston on Saturday, Tang was pleased with the team's improved play, especially in the second half, and believes his players are starting to understand what it means to represent the Kansas State program.

Why it matters

Kansas State has struggled mightily this season, with just one conference win in the Big 12. Tang's viral rant after the Cincinnati loss appeared to be a wake-up call for his players, who showed more fight and energy in the loss to Houston. If the Wildcats can build on this improved effort, it could help them finish the season on a stronger note and provide momentum heading into the Big 12 Tournament.

The details

After losing to Cincinnati by nearly 30 points, Tang ripped his players' effort, saying they didn't deserve to wear the Kansas State uniform. In Saturday's 78-64 loss to Houston, the Wildcats scored 45 points in the second half and showed signs of life, even though they ultimately fell short. Tang was pleased with his team's positive mindset and growing understanding of what it means to represent the Kansas State program.

  • On Saturday, February 15, 2026, Kansas State lost to Houston 78-64.
  • Prior to the Houston game, Kansas State lost to Cincinnati by nearly 30 points, prompting Tang's viral rant.

The players

Jerome Tang

The head coach of the Kansas State basketball team, who delivered a scathing critique of his players' effort following a recent blowout loss.

Kansas State Wildcats

The men's basketball team at Kansas State University, which has struggled to a 10-15 record this season but showed improved effort in a loss to Houston.

Houston Cougars

The men's basketball team at the University of Houston, which defeated Kansas State 78-64 and now sits in sole possession of first place in the Big 12 standings.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like our guys are really turning the corner on understanding what it means to wear Kansas State on your chest. We really grew these last few days and we're going to continue to grow.”

— Jerome Tang, Head Coach, Kansas State Wildcats (Topeka Capital-Journal)

“I'm not going to keep commenting (on their effort). We got this portion of our season left before we go to the Big 12 Tournament, and this is a chapter in our life. And as a team, we've decided that we can be the victims or the victor, and we're choosing to be the victors.”

— Jerome Tang, Head Coach, Kansas State Wildcats (Kansas State University)

What’s next

Kansas State looks to pick up a much-needed win when the team next plays Baylor on Tuesday.

The takeaway

Tang's viral rant appears to have sparked a positive change in his players, who showed more fight and energy in the loss to Houston. If the Wildcats can build on this improved effort, it could help them finish the season on a stronger note and provide momentum heading into the Big 12 Tournament, despite their struggles this year.